A nurse is caring for a client who is 5 hours postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The nurse notes that the client's indwelling urinary catheter has not drained in the past hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason:
A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is slightly elevated but not necessarily indicative of sepsis. A heart rate of 88/min is within normal limits (60-100/min). This client's signs do not strongly suggest sepsis.

Choice B reason:
A heart rate of 132/min and a respiratory rate of 30/min are both elevated, which can be signs of sepsis. Sepsis can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body attempts to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygenation during a systemic infection.

Choice C reason:
A decrease in the level of consciousness combined with a heart rate greater than 130/min could indicate sepsis, as confusion or changes in mental status are common symptoms when the body is fighting a severe infection.

Choice D reason:
Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is not typically associated with sepsis, which more commonly causes rapid breathing. A WBC count of 10,000/mm³ is at the upper limit of the normal range and does not necessarily indicate sepsis without other symptoms.

Choice E reason:
A temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is on the lower end of the normal body temperature range and does not suggest fever, which is a common sign of sepsis. A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range (12-20/min) and does not indicate sepsis.

Choice A reason:
While a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range, it is not typically considered an emergency for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This client would require monitoring and potential adjustment of their diabetes management plan, but it does not necessitate immediate assessment.

Choice B reason:
For a client with diabetes insipidus, an intake of 1,500 mL and an output of 1,600 mL in 24 hours is within expected parameters, considering the condition's characteristic polyuria and polydipsia. This client would need ongoing monitoring to maintain fluid balance but is not the highest priority for immediate assessment.

Choice C reason:
A heart rate of 100/min and tremors in a client with Graves' disease could indicate that their condition is not well-controlled. However, these symptoms are not as acutely concerning as those of a stroke and would be addressed after more urgent needs are met.

Choice D reason:
A client who has had a left-sided stroke and reports a severe headache and confusion is exhibiting signs of a possible acute neurological change or complication, such as increased intracranial pressure or hemorrhage. This client requires immediate assessment and intervention due to the potential for rapid deterioration and life-threatening complications.